Interlude 1

Kaladin and Syl visit the library at Urithiru to pick up supplies Syl has arranged. Syl obtains a copy of The Way of Kings as a gift for Kaladin and transforms her appearance into a new military-style outfit inspired by ancient Alethi warrior clothing. After the librarian dismisses Syl's efforts, Kaladin confronts the woman about her needless cruelty, and she responds with a hint of shame.

Kaladin follows Syl through Urithiru's tower to the scribes' library, where the head librarian—a stern woman with deep frown lines—begrudgingly retrieves items Syl has requested. Syl presents Kaladin with a disposable copy of The Way of Kings, claiming she is now his scribe. When Kaladin questions the weight, Syl's enthusiasm persuades him to accept the gift. While waiting, a woman in a military jacket with a pleated skirt passes by, inspired by ancient ko-takama warrior clothing. Syl excitedly copies the outfit, transforming her appearance with a longer, pleated skirt and fitted jacket. The librarian warns her to wear leggings underneath when flying; Syl responds with a bizarre and uncomfortable explanation about having a chull head in a private area, which horrifies and confuses the librarian. Kaladin and Syl engage in playful banter about whether Syl has physical details beneath her clothing, with Syl explaining that she exists as imagined—basically human with improvements—and that her form naturally reverts to a default shape. The librarian returns with writing supplies, including exotic pens made from chicken parts. Syl struggles to lift and use one of the pens, managing to write a single letter. The librarian mocks her achievement, comparing it to a four-year-old's skill. Kaladin responds to this cruelty by confronting the woman, drawing a parallel to a one-eyed bully he once knew. He encourages her to seek help for whatever personal problems are making her angry and unkind, noting that her dismissiveness only reveals her own weakness. The librarian shows a moment of shame, and Kaladin keeps the paper with Syl's letter as a keepsake. Syl officially declares herself his scribe, and they depart toward natural light and open air.